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Why Get Permanent Makeup Touch Ups?

The word permanent in “permanent makeup” can make a few people raise their eyebrows. It also raises a lot of questions like, “What if I don’t like it?” or “What if my hair color or style changes?”

Well ladies, I’m here to tell you that getting permanent makeup does not mean you’re stuck with it forever. On the contrary, permanent makeup ink, unlike tattoo ink, softens and lightens over time, giving the wearer a more natural appearance. Because this permanent makeup isn’t exactly all that permanent, touch ups will be needed sometime in the future, and these color refresher appointments are the perfect opportunity to switch up your color and style to reflect your present taste.

Before we get into the big question of why touch ups are needed I think it’s important to address what is a touch-up appointment.

What is a touch-up appointment?

During the first round of permanent makeup ink, the treated area(s) will become saturated with deep color causing these areas to swell and the tissue to reject further pigment. Over time, those areas will start to show less color, and a second appointment will be needed to fill them in. It is best to wait 4 to 8 weeks for complete tissue healing and color stabilization to make this first touch up appointment. Once the desired results are achieved, the client can keep the color looking fresh with a touch up visit every few years.

Why get touch ups?

Permanent makeup changes over time for several reasons. Fading can occur due to sun exposure, tanning, skin care products/makeup remover, and your skin’s natural exfoliation process. Exposure to these elements oxidizes the color, which can make a brown turn pink and a black turn blue. For these reasons it’s important to come in for a touch up appointment every few years.

But what about your mom, or your aunt, or that one lady who has had permanent makeup liner for the last ten years? Well yes, that may be true… but is her eyeliner now blue?

Everyone holds pigment differently as no one’s skin, body chemistry, or lifestyles are exactly the same. Ideally your permanent makeup should last up to a year before you start to notice color fading or oxidizing. Some clients are able to go longer, as results do vary.

How can I prolong my permanent makeup?

The pristine appearance of your permanent cosmetics will vary depending upon your daily maintenance and if you can avoid direct sunlight and indoor tanning. Some skin care products can oxidize or exfoliate your skin affecting your makeup pigment. By avoiding strong chemicals in the products you apply to the treated area you can greatly reduce these effects. In addition, using sunscreen can help prolong your tattooed makeup.

Permanent eyeliner – Makeup by Monica in Vancouver, WA

How often do I need permanent makeup touch ups?

Although it is almost guaranteed that a touch up appointment will be needed in your future, the time frame for that cannot be predicted as this is very client specific.